Michigan Enhances Public Spaces with Crowdfunding and Matching Grants

LANSING, Mich. – Across Michigan, vacant and underused spaces are being revitalized into vibrant public areas through a series of innovative projects. These efforts, supported by the Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) crowdgranting program, include a mural campaign, a fish cleaning station, and a community event space.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Michigan Municipal League have launched crowdfunding campaigns via the Patronicity platform to make these transformations possible. Should these campaigns meet their funding targets within the set timelines, they will receive matching grants courtesy of the PSCP program.

On June 1, the campaign for Petite Acres: Southwest Michigan’s Backyard kicked off. This initiative, spearheaded by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Foundation and Petite Acres, aims to establish a year-round community venue in New Buffalo. Events planned include yoga sessions, outdoor movie nights, and networking breakfasts, with hopes to expand into local markets featuring regional farmers, artists, and makers. The campaign concludes on July 31, and more details are available at patronicity.com/PA.

Another initiative, the Lake St Clair Fish Cleaning Station in Harrison Township, launched the same day. Orchestrated by The Lake St. Clair Fish Cleaning Foundation, this project seeks to erect the first public fish cleaning facility at Lake St. Clair, a hub of extensive angling activity. The campaign runs until July 31, with further information accessible at patronicity.com/fish.

On June 5, Public Art in Lowell: Muralocity will commence, introducing five public murals to downtown Lowell. This project, the brainchild of Lowell Arts, will contribute to the town’s cultural tapestry by spotlighting its story through art. The campaign concludes on July 31, and more information can be found at patronicity.com/muralocity.

“Community recreation and public art are great examples of placemaking efforts that meet public demand and needs while creating more connected and vibrant communities at the same time,” said Paula Holtz, MEDC Managing Director for Regional Development. “We are proud to provide resources for these efforts through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”

The Public Spaces Community Places initiative is a collaborative effort between the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity, enabling residents to participate in community projects through crowdfunding, bolstered by matching grants from the MEDC. Interested parties, including communities and nonprofits, can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan.

“The Michigan Municipal League is a strong supporter of placemaking happening in Michigan’s communities,” noted Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the League. “From public art to gathering spaces, these projects will amplify the human experience and improve their communities for generations to come. This is what placemaking is truly all about.”

Since its inception in 2014, the Public Spaces Community Places program has provided over $14.7 million in matching grants, with a remarkable 97 percent success rate in achieving project goals. As of June 1, 2026, more than $17 million has been raised from 77,667 donors, supporting 444 projects across Michigan.